Elks Lodge Inducts First Black Member

The Van Nuys Elks Lodge inducted its first black member Thursday after a months-long controversy that brought on a state investigation of the fraternal organization’s racial policies.

Ben Harvey, 41 of Pacoima, the manager of a laminating plant, received the lodge’s membership badge--a gold lapel pin--after swearing eternal brotherhood with fellow Elks.

The state attorney general’s office has been investigating whether the lodge violated state civil rights laws by twice rejecting two other blacks who applied for membership. Lodge officials said they were turned down because other members resented the involvement of fellow Elk and state Sen. Alan Robbins (D-Tarzana), who nominated them.

Deputy Atty. Gen. Louis Verdugo said the state investigation is continuing, but that Harvey’s admission will be considered “one piece of evidence that the organization does not discriminate on the basis of race.”